Accelerator
A2T/Dog Leg
Electrical cabling for the last part of the tunnel before entering the Target is under way. Water cooling pipes for the Accelerator to Target (A2T) magnets were installed and pressure-tested. Supports for the large magnets in the A2T area are getting in place.
Cryogenic Distribution System
Following the first cooldown of the Cryogenic Distribution System (CDS) late last year, this is now being followed up with heat load measurements and analysis. Another cooldown cycle is now under way, with the plan to produce cold helium to be returned at the end box. The system tests are expected to be completed in February with warm-up following. After successful completion of the CDS testing, the installation of cryomodules can start.
Normal Conducting Linac
The temporary shielding wall separating the normal conducting linac from the superconducting linac has been rebuilt. Validation of the Personnel Safety System is ongoing.
In preparation for the next phase of beam commissioning planned to start in April, a Faraday cup for Drift Tube Linac 4 will be installed. Local RF tests will start in the DTL section once all waveguides are connected. Drift Tube Linac 2 was installed in the tunnel with water manifolds and vacuum connections done and final alignment pending.
Klystron Gallery
On the Gallery-side, the klystrons in the Normal Conducting Gallery (NCG) are subject to soak testing, to get all systems ready and stable for beam commissioning.
RF soak testing was completed for the first RF cell in the Spoke section and the systems have been put in final configuration.
Power testing continues in spoke and medium beta cells.
The last modulator for the medium beta section has completed its test cycle in Test Stand 3 and will soon be put in its permanent place.
Cryomodule testing
The second high-beta cryomodule is in the Test Stand 2 bunker for testing. Cooldown will start shortly.
Target
Connection Ring
Trial installation of the connection ring onto the Target Monolith vessel was performed. The connection ring sits on the rim of the vessel and contains all media connections via penetrations in the ring.
Inner shielding flushing
Flushing of the channels inside the inner shielding blocks is in progress.
A welding workshop has been installed, adjacent to the flushing work area. Re-welding of pipes to the blocks will start as soon as the circuits are clean.
Instruments
Neutron Beam Port Inserts
Inserts for instruments BIFROST, CSPEC, NMX and MAGIC have been delivered to ESS. Optics integration will be performed inside a cleanroom tent.
BEER
The installation of neutron guides for BEER section 2 has recommenced inside the Beamline Gallery. Section 1 guide, the part in the D03 hall connecting to the bunker, is set to follow in February. A support structure is in place along the beamline.
ODIN
Wall elements for the ODIN cave have been delivered. Installation will start in February.
BIFROST
Earthing cables are subject to installation along the 160-metre-long BIFROST beamline.
LOKI
The collimation system to be installed on the platform just outside the bunker has been subject to vacuum tests.
Next up for LOKI will be shielding walls around the sample area and the pre-assembly of a heavy shutter inside the bunker.
